In Depth: China’s New Antitrust Authority Finds Its Feet

Officials unveil the sign for Beijing's new municipal market regulation authority on Nov. 16. China's national antitrust enforcement system was shaken up earlier this year when three agencies were merged to form the State Administration of Market Regulation. Photo: VCG

In September 2008, U.S. beverage giant Coca-Cola announced plans to buy Beijing-based China Huiyuan Juice Group Co., Ltd. for $2.4 billion. The news drew public attention — according to an online survey at the time, more than 80% of respondents opposed the merger for “juice market security” reasons or because Huiyuan was a “national brand”.

But the authorities had other concerns. In March 2009, after reviewing the planned merger for months, China’s Ministry of Commerce officially blocked the purchase.